The M4: The Gateway To Beauty

When people from abroad think of the best places to go in the UK, it’s a given that they will go for the usual,London, Edinburgh, maybe Blackpool if they’re looking for a bit of a seaside sojourn. But what about Wales? Wales seems to be the one place left behind by tourists when they come here, but it is full of outstanding natural beauty that it’s a crime that people don’t go there when they land in London. It’s only 3 hours out of the centre by train, and the M4 road provides so much access to other rural parts of the country, such as Wiltshire and Somerset that you could spend a whole part of your holiday just going back and forth on the motorway. For the uninitiated, here are some choice Southern spots you can easily visit in Wales.

Nicknamed Tinopolis due to its main export, this seemingly sleepy seaside town has so many wonderful access points to places of quaint natural beauty. If you like to take relaxing walks along the coast, there is the Millennium Coastal Path that stretches 13 miles and connects Llanelli to Pembrey Sands and the main Llanelli beach, which are some major highlights of the path. If you like to take in the sea air and walk at a relaxing pace, this is the best way to do it. Other highlights of Llanelli include the Scarlets rugby ground in Pemberton if you have never experienced a proper rugby game!

Coming back on yourself on the M4 you can stop off in Swansea. The hometown of Dylan Thomas is rich with cultural heritage and beautiful views. You could visit Mumbles pier and have a famous Joe’s Ice Cream, or you could findplaces to stay in Gower and visit one of the Gower’s many, many beaches or sample some traditional seafood caught straight from the waters that morning! The Liberty Stadium has hosted many rock and pop concerts, from Lionel Richie to The Who as well as the local football team, Swansea City.

What more is there to be said about Cardiff that hasn’t already been said? The fact is Cardiff is such a rollicking night out, that it really has to be seen to be believed. The nightlife is a big draw for many people, and with the choice of comedy, film, theatre and music at your disposal, you don’t need to go very far to have a good time. And as the Principality Stadium is the big draw for many sports and concerts, you could spend a day watching a game before heading out to enjoy the raucous atmosphere. Cardiff is also one of the up and coming cities in the UK, and if a night out isn’t your cup of tea, there are many shopping centres, food joints, and boat rides than you can shake a stick at!

This is merely the icing on the cake. With the amount of castles and areas of culture to explore, you may as well take a trip down the M4!